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The <a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a> will be offline for planned server maintenance at 11 a.m. Thursday.

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UPDATE: Maintenance has been completed. Thanks you for your patience.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a> will be offline for planned server maintenance at 11 a.m. Thursday.The downtime is expected to be approximately five minutes.We thank our readers for their patience as we make these improvements.<figure>
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Post News Network will have planned downtime Thursday

To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a>&nbsp;or the image above to donate online.

The Robert E. And Patricia Schmidt Foundation recently donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to help support recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.

The Red Cross has dispatched multiple vehicles, which will most likely be deployed for weeks, and the foundation's gift will help support the volunteers manning the vehicles and help restock supplies.

"Our hearts go out to those effected by this devastating storm," said Schmidt Foundation Chairman Gary Shorman, "and we offer our sincere thanks to the Red Cross for offering much-needed assistance during this recovery.

"The mission of the Red Cross is an admirable one, and we'd urge our communities to do what they can to help by donating."

To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click <a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a> to donate online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664809523581.png" alt="Lori and Pat Loney, Red Cross volunteers from Derby, Kansas, arrived in Florida on Saturday morning following a 20+ hour drive." />
 <figcaption>Lori and Pat Loney, Red Cross volunteers from Derby, Kansas, arrived in Florida on Saturday morning following a 20+ hour drive.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">
<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664837188306.png"/>
</a></div>To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a>&nbsp;or the image above to donate online.The Robert E. And Patricia Schmidt Foundation recently donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to help support recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.The Red Cross has dispatched multiple vehicles, which will most likely be deployed for weeks, and the foundation's gift will help support the volunteers manning the vehicles and help restock supplies."Our hearts go out to those effected by this devastating storm," said Schmidt Foundation Chairman Gary Shorman, "and we offer our sincere thanks to the Red Cross for offering much-needed assistance during this recovery."The mission of the Red Cross is an admirable one, and we'd urge our communities to do what they can to help by donating."To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click <a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a> to donate online.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664809714527.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Schmidt Foundation gift will aid Ian recovery efforts

RUSSELL — Scared Silly will be sure to get you in the mood for Halloween. RCT’s 103rd production is a compilation of short plays dealing with the spooky and supernatural in a most comedic way.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Randyll Mauro is making her directorial debut with this production. Seven short plays have been selected from Scared Silly and RCT is sure this will be an audience favorite! The following individuals have been cast for various roles: Kiefer Craig, Nikki Kuntzsch, Debora Kreutzer, Teressa Roe, Todd Chance, Monica Harrison, Nakota Allen, Dalton Mauro, Brandon Fitzgerald, Sheila Lamb, Olivia Schreiner and Liberty Kuntzsch.&nbsp;

It’s You by Ian McWethy-The Brillmore Strangler is on the loose--and as a slasher-movie junkie, Lois couldn't be more excited. Her friends are less thrilled, especially when they hear she's tracked the killer to the very room they're in. As the bodies pile up, accusing the right guy (or girl!) proves harder than it looks in this loving send-up of slasher-movie mayhem.&nbsp;

The True Meaning of Halloween by Don Zolidis-On Halloween night, a couple opens their door to a find true monster: a teenager without a costume who demands candy anyway. While Alicia thinks they should just give Jordan a Butterfinger and call it a night, to Jonas, it's about the integrity of trick-or-treating. It's about effort. It's about America. But if there's more to Jordan than meets the eye, it just might also be a Halloween miracle.&nbsp;

The Midnight Club by Jonathan Dorf-It's hard enough for a group of students from different walks of life to get along in detention under the best of circumstances. Try midnight detention at a supernatural school where one kid spiked the punch with holy water and another is trying to slow down his transformation into a zombie. A reminder that in a way, each of us is a brain and an athlete . . . and a ghost . . . and a werewolf.&nbsp;

The Kev-Burger by Peter Bloedel-Even though Trisha's broken her glasses, she's excited to have a nice meal with her boyfriend Ned at the new burger place in town. But Ned can see clearly that something's suspicious here. Like the guy covered in blood lurking around. Or the gangsters delivering "steaks" in a body bag. Macabre farce is on the menu in this delicious comedy.&nbsp;

The (Completely Inaccurate) Legend of the Mummy Witch House by Hillary DePiano-Three urban explorers venture into a haunted house to find proof of a legend, but when they come face-to-face with the creepy place's real residents, they're not quite what the trio expected. Turns out, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction--and way more fun.&nbsp;

Forever Friends by Becca Schlossberg-Ash is devoted to her stuffed animals, even though she's thirteen and people give her a hard time. Turns out someone else knows exactly how she feels--who happens to be a terrifying ghost who lives in her closet. A whimsical tale of friendship between the human, ghostly, and stuffed.&nbsp;

Attack of the Cafeteria Zombies by Ed Monk-Earth faces a peril unlike anything humanity has ever seen, and it looks like cafeteria corn dogs. When the principal and a school bully start acting strangely, a group of students discover that aliens are testing a mind control device on their school lunch. But the invaders have one weakness . . . and you can collect them all!&nbsp;

Performances will run October 18-22, 2022, at the RCT Playhouse (5th and Kansas, Russell). Show time is 8:00 pm. Admission is $12 or by season ticket. Scared Silly is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.&nbsp; &nbsp; Russell Community Theater is a nonprofit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. Since its inception in 1986, RCT has presented 102 full-scale theatrical productions. For more information, call 785-483-4057 or visit the group's Facebook page.

SubmittedRUSSELL — Scared Silly will be sure to get you in the mood for Halloween. RCT’s 103rd production is a compilation of short plays dealing with the spooky and supernatural in a most comedic way.&nbsp;&nbsp;Randyll Mauro is making her directorial debut with this production. Seven short plays have been selected from Scared Silly and RCT is sure this will be an audience favorite! The following individuals have been cast for various roles: Kiefer Craig, Nikki Kuntzsch, Debora Kreutzer, Teressa Roe, Todd Chance, Monica Harrison, Nakota Allen, Dalton Mauro, Brandon Fitzgerald, Sheila Lamb, Olivia Schreiner and Liberty Kuntzsch.&nbsp;It’s You by Ian McWethy-The Brillmore Strangler is on the loose--and as a slasher-movie junkie, Lois couldn't be more excited. Her friends are less thrilled, especially when they hear she's tracked the killer to the very room they're in. As the bodies pile up, accusing the right guy (or girl!) proves harder than it looks in this loving send-up of slasher-movie mayhem.&nbsp;The True Meaning of Halloween by Don Zolidis-On Halloween night, a couple opens their door to a find true monster: a teenager without a costume who demands candy anyway. While Alicia thinks they should just give Jordan a Butterfinger and call it a night, to Jonas, it's about the integrity of trick-or-treating. It's about effort. It's about America. But if there's more to Jordan than meets the eye, it just might also be a Halloween miracle.&nbsp;The Midnight Club by Jonathan Dorf-It's hard enough for a group of students from different walks of life to get along in detention under the best of circumstances. Try midnight detention at a supernatural school where one kid spiked the punch with holy water and another is trying to slow down his transformation into a zombie. A reminder that in a way, each of us is a brain and an athlete . . . and a ghost . . . and a werewolf.&nbsp;The Kev-Burger by Peter Bloedel-Even though Trisha's broken her glasses, she's excited to have a nice meal with her boyfriend Ned at the new burger place in town. But Ned can see clearly that something's suspicious here. Like the guy covered in blood lurking around. Or the gangsters delivering "steaks" in a body bag. Macabre farce is on the menu in this delicious comedy.&nbsp;The (Completely Inaccurate) Legend of the Mummy Witch House by Hillary DePiano-Three urban explorers venture into a haunted house to find proof of a legend, but when they come face-to-face with the creepy place's real residents, they're not quite what the trio expected. Turns out, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction--and way more fun.&nbsp;Forever Friends by Becca Schlossberg-Ash is devoted to her stuffed animals, even though she's thirteen and people give her a hard time. Turns out someone else knows exactly how she feels--who happens to be a terrifying ghost who lives in her closet. A whimsical tale of friendship between the human, ghostly, and stuffed.&nbsp;Attack of the Cafeteria Zombies by Ed Monk-Earth faces a peril unlike anything humanity has ever seen, and it looks like cafeteria corn dogs. When the principal and a school bully start acting strangely, a group of students discover that aliens are testing a mind control device on their school lunch. But the invaders have one weakness . . . and you can collect them all!&nbsp;Performances will run October 18-22, 2022, at the RCT Playhouse (5th and Kansas, Russell). Show time is 8:00 pm. Admission is $12 or by season ticket. Scared Silly is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.&nbsp; &nbsp; Russell Community Theater is a nonprofit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. Since its inception in 1986, RCT has presented 102 full-scale theatrical productions. For more information, call 785-483-4057 or visit the group's Facebook page.

Russell theater group will present 'Scared Silly'

RUSSELL — Patricia&nbsp;Davids&nbsp;is an internationally published, award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of 50 inspirational and Amish romance novels, primarily published by Harper Collins’ Harlequin imprint. Born and raised in central Kansas, Patricia combines her faith, Midwest values and quirky humor into emotionally rich, sweet romance stories that deal with contemporary issues. She has sold over 3,000,000 books world-wide since her first novel appeared in stores in 2005. A former NICU nurse, Patricia currently resides on a farm near Abilene, with one spoiled dog named Sugar and her special needs cat called&nbsp;Weeble.&nbsp;

Davids&nbsp;will be in Russell to launch her latest novel, “A Match Made at Christmas” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Russell Specialty Books and Gifts, 626 N Main Street in Russell.&nbsp;The novel is the second in her “Matchmakers of Harts Haven” series, which began earlier this year with “The Inn at Harts Haven.” Both books, along with a selection of her other novels, will be available at the event.

Following her book launch,&nbsp;Davids&nbsp;will address the Russell Writer’s Group, which meets monthly at the bookstore. This meeting is free and open to any published or aspiring author. For information or to reserve a copy of her new novel, contact Linda Crowder at Russell Specialty Books and Gifts, 785-445-8353.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664303963959.jpeg" alt="Davids" />
 <figcaption>Davids</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseRUSSELL — Patricia&nbsp;Davids&nbsp;is an internationally published, award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of 50 inspirational and Amish romance novels, primarily published by Harper Collins’ Harlequin imprint. Born and raised in central Kansas, Patricia combines her faith, Midwest values and quirky humor into emotionally rich, sweet romance stories that deal with contemporary issues. She has sold over 3,000,000 books world-wide since her first novel appeared in stores in 2005. A former NICU nurse, Patricia currently resides on a farm near Abilene, with one spoiled dog named Sugar and her special needs cat called&nbsp;Weeble.&nbsp;Davids&nbsp;will be in Russell to launch her latest novel, “A Match Made at Christmas” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Russell Specialty Books and Gifts, 626 N Main Street in Russell.&nbsp;The novel is the second in her “Matchmakers of Harts Haven” series, which began earlier this year with “The Inn at Harts Haven.” Both books, along with a selection of her other novels, will be available at the event.Following her book launch,&nbsp;Davids&nbsp;will address the Russell Writer’s Group, which meets monthly at the bookstore. This meeting is free and open to any published or aspiring author. For information or to reserve a copy of her new novel, contact Linda Crowder at Russell Specialty Books and Gifts, 785-445-8353.

Best-selling romance author to visit Russell

TOPEKA – As part of Life Insurance Awareness month, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt highlights a lost and found search program that can have a significant financial impact on a family. 

Kansans can use this program to search among millions of dollars in unpaid life insurance policy funds.

“Purchasing life insurance is an important financial stability tool for families,” said Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “The NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator helps Kansans locate lost or unknown policies.”

The Life Insurance Policy Locator is a free service provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Individuals can perform a nationwide search for missing life insurance funds by providing the social security number, legal first name, legal last name, date of birth and date of death of a deceased individual. Searches can be performed at <a href="http://eapps.naic.org/life-policylocator">eapps.naic.org/life-policylocator</a>.

If you have questions or concerns about a missing life insurance policy, please call the Kansas Insurance Department at 1-800-432-2484. To learn more about life insurance visit <a href="http://insurance.kansas.gov/life-viatical/">insurance.kansas.gov/life-viatical/</a>.

TOPEKA – As part of Life Insurance Awareness month, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt highlights a lost and found search program that can have a significant financial impact on a family. Kansans can use this program to search among millions of dollars in unpaid life insurance policy funds.“Purchasing life insurance is an important financial stability tool for families,” said Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “The NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator helps Kansans locate lost or unknown policies.”The Life Insurance Policy Locator is a free service provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Individuals can perform a nationwide search for missing life insurance funds by providing the social security number, legal first name, legal last name, date of birth and date of death of a deceased individual. Searches can be performed at <a href="http://eapps.naic.org/life-policylocator">eapps.naic.org/life-policylocator</a>.If you have questions or concerns about a missing life insurance policy, please call the Kansas Insurance Department at 1-800-432-2484. To learn more about life insurance visit <a href="http://insurance.kansas.gov/life-viatical/">insurance.kansas.gov/life-viatical/</a>.

Millions in life insurance funds still unclaimed in Kansas

Acclaimed composer, virtuoso pianist and inspirational speaker Eric Genuis will be performing a sweep of concerts through central and western Kansas from Sept. 20 to 22.

Genuis will be performing Concerts of Hope for prisoners at Ellsworth and Norton Correctional Facilities. He will be performing for students at Sacred Heart Junior and Senior High School in Salina as well as at Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior and Senior High Schools and Holy Family Elementary School in Hays. Parents are encouraged to attend the school concerts as Genuis talks to the students in a humorous manner about the music they listen to and how to enjoy the classical genre.

Two public concerts will be performed. The first will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 21 at Marymount Properties, 2030 E. Iron, Salina. The second will be held at 7 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine, Hays.

Genuis, along with world-class violinist, a cello player and vocalist, perform all original music that gives rise to a unique musical experience with universal appeal. Genuis shares his gift of music with what he calls, “the forgotten,” prisoners, memory care facilities and PTSD veterans.

“What a pleasure to listen to not only a world class pianist and composer, but an artist whose music translates beyond its genre to lift the audience to belief and hope in the power of the human spirit, said actor Jim Caviezel. “I have been honored to be present at several of Eric’s concerts, every time with a unique audience nuance. Those present felt the power of Eric’s music, and his words clearly elevated people.

There will be a freewill offering at Genuis’ public concerts to help pay his travel expenses and to allow him to continue to perform his Concerts of Hope, which is a 503(c)3 organization.

Divine Mercy Radio, with stations in Salina/Lindsborg, Hays and Great Bend, are hosting Genuis’ Concerts of Hope. For more information, go to <a href="https://www.dvmercy.com/events">dvmercy.com </a>and search under “events” or call 785-656-0150.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662482728116.jpeg" alt="Eric Genuis " />
 <figcaption>Eric Genuis </figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseAcclaimed composer, virtuoso pianist and inspirational speaker Eric Genuis will be performing a sweep of concerts through central and western Kansas from Sept. 20 to 22.Genuis will be performing Concerts of Hope for prisoners at Ellsworth and Norton Correctional Facilities. He will be performing for students at Sacred Heart Junior and Senior High School in Salina as well as at Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior and Senior High Schools and Holy Family Elementary School in Hays. Parents are encouraged to attend the school concerts as Genuis talks to the students in a humorous manner about the music they listen to and how to enjoy the classical genre.Two public concerts will be performed. The first will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 21 at Marymount Properties, 2030 E. Iron, Salina. The second will be held at 7 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine, Hays.Genuis, along with world-class violinist, a cello player and vocalist, perform all original music that gives rise to a unique musical experience with universal appeal. Genuis shares his gift of music with what he calls, “the forgotten,” prisoners, memory care facilities and PTSD veterans.“What a pleasure to listen to not only a world class pianist and composer, but an artist whose music translates beyond its genre to lift the audience to belief and hope in the power of the human spirit, said actor Jim Caviezel. “I have been honored to be present at several of Eric’s concerts, every time with a unique audience nuance. Those present felt the power of Eric’s music, and his words clearly elevated people.There will be a freewill offering at Genuis’ public concerts to help pay his travel expenses and to allow him to continue to perform his Concerts of Hope, which is a 503(c)3 organization.Divine Mercy Radio, with stations in Salina/Lindsborg, Hays and Great Bend, are hosting Genuis’ Concerts of Hope. For more information, go to <a href="https://www.dvmercy.com/events">dvmercy.com </a>and search under “events” or call 785-656-0150.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662483928139.jpeg" alt="" />
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Composer, pianist, inspirational speaker to perform western Kan. concerts

Click <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqduyrrjwjHtM0M5O7UQoPFcVpO0Q-tYVT">HERE</a> to register.

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 </figure>Click <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqduyrrjwjHtM0M5O7UQoPFcVpO0Q-tYVT">HERE</a> to register.

'You are not alone': NAMI offers online partner/spouse support group

NESS CITY&nbsp; - The Ness County courthouse closed its doors this afternoon to the public because of COVID-19 concerns.

A notice was posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NessCounty">Ness County Facebook page</a>.

County employees are still available via telephone and email.

No word on how long the closure may continue.&nbsp;

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 </figure>Hays PostNESS CITY&nbsp; - The Ness County courthouse closed its doors this afternoon to the public because of COVID-19 concerns.A notice was posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NessCounty">Ness County Facebook page</a>.County employees are still available via telephone and email.No word on how long the closure may continue.&nbsp;<figure>
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Ness County closes courthouse doors because of COVID concerns

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly Monday encouraged Kansas businesses&nbsp;to participate in the application process for more than $130 million in grants to support businesses affected by the pandemic and enable companies to expand broadband access in the state.

&nbsp;The portal to apply&nbsp; opens at noon Wednesday, August 19 on the<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/"> Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) website.</a>

The application portal for the SPARK economic development and connectivity grant programs will appear <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/">online here.</a>

“This is an opportunity to revitalize our economy and for businesses to receive some necessary relief,”&nbsp;said Kelly.&nbsp;“I strongly encourage business owners to apply first thing Wednesday if they are eligible.”

In addition to providing financial relief, grants will be available to businesses whose products and services will be needed in greater volume to help combat the virus and its effects. Funding is also being made available to expand broadband access both through infrastructure improvements and by partnerships with internet service providers to serve low-income households. These grants are funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund of the federal CARES Act.&nbsp;

This pandemic has affected each sector differently, with industries having distinct needs. Therefore, applications for grants are being made available in the following categories:

Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible to apply for Small Business Working Capital grants. Funds can be used to pay working capital expenses such as payroll, rent, mortgage insurance, utilities, inventory, and more. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.&nbsp;

The Securing Local Food Systems grant program was created to support Kansas meat processing facilities, food processors, grocers, and food banks to address food for human consumption supply chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.&nbsp;

The PPE Procurement grant program will award businesses funds for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), implementation of workplace redesigns, additional signage, new technology solutions for distance working, and other items to comply with COVID-19 public health guidelines on safely returning employees to work.

PPE Manufacturing grants will provide funding to manufacturers to reimburse certain costs to manufacture critically needed PPE. The grant funding will assist entities with creating new businesses while contributing to the fight against the current COVID-19 public health emergency.

Kansas has a strong pipeline of bioscience-related companies developing SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic, therapeutic and medical countermeasures. This grant program will accelerate commercialization and go-to-market strategies, allowing these Kansas companies to quickly deploy novel technology by optimizing value and reducing risk through informed decision making.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) was created to address the increased need for connectivity in Kansas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed projects should improve connectivity to unserved and underserved areas of Kansas to address the needs of telework, telehealth, distance learning, and other remote business services.

The Broadband Partnership Adoption Grant will provide support for low-income households by partnering with ISPs to leverage their existing adoption infrastructure and assure connectivity to as many Kansans as possible.&nbsp;

This Domestic Supply Chain Fortification grant will help offset the business disruptions to Kansas companies’ supply chains caused by COVID-19 and assist with relocating jobs to Kansas from outside of the US. Where appropriate, this grant program would be offered in addition to existing incentive programs (PEAK, KIT, HPIP, etc.) to improve the state’s competitiveness.

To mitigate the job losses in Kansas as a result of COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking a rapid response training program that will provide training, certificate testing, and job placement assistance in the areas of IT, cybersecurity, and IT project management.&nbsp;

This program will support the needs of the advanced manufacturing industry in Kansas. The program will focus on reskilling/upskilling individuals affected by COVID-19 to meet economic sector needs in high-demand, high-wage occupations.

Details on each category, including award amounts, proposal requirements, eligibility, and more can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fcovidrelief&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfa18b367c41e4b11889408d843945f79%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637333651814786494&amp;sdata=%2F%2B%2FtFDL21q5Kwr%2BDmdpMat0cfdQEo%2FXVjzpr055AB68%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597832193097.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly opened her Monday news conference reminding business owners of the opportunity to apply." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly opened her Monday news conference reminding business owners of the opportunity to apply.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly Monday encouraged Kansas businesses&nbsp;to participate in the application process for more than $130 million in grants to support businesses affected by the pandemic and enable companies to expand broadband access in the state.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597781730208.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The portal to apply&nbsp; opens at noon Wednesday, August 19 on the<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/"> Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) website.</a>The application portal for the SPARK economic development and connectivity grant programs will appear <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/">online here.</a>“This is an opportunity to revitalize our economy and for businesses to receive some necessary relief,”&nbsp;said Kelly.&nbsp;“I strongly encourage business owners to apply first thing Wednesday if they are eligible.”In addition to providing financial relief, grants will be available to businesses whose products and services will be needed in greater volume to help combat the virus and its effects. Funding is also being made available to expand broadband access both through infrastructure improvements and by partnerships with internet service providers to serve low-income households. These grants are funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund of the federal CARES Act.&nbsp;This pandemic has affected each sector differently, with industries having distinct needs. Therefore, applications for grants are being made available in the following categories:<ul>
 <li>Small Business Working Capital Grants</li>
 </ul>Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible to apply for Small Business Working Capital grants. Funds can be used to pay working capital expenses such as payroll, rent, mortgage insurance, utilities, inventory, and more. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Securing Local Food Systems Grants</li>
 </ul>The Securing Local Food Systems grant program was created to support Kansas meat processing facilities, food processors, grocers, and food banks to address food for human consumption supply chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>PPE Procurement Grants</li>
 </ul>The PPE Procurement grant program will award businesses funds for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), implementation of workplace redesigns, additional signage, new technology solutions for distance working, and other items to comply with COVID-19 public health guidelines on safely returning employees to work.<ul>
 <li>PPE Manufacturing Grants</li>
 </ul>PPE Manufacturing grants will provide funding to manufacturers to reimburse certain costs to manufacture critically needed PPE. The grant funding will assist entities with creating new businesses while contributing to the fight against the current COVID-19 public health emergency.<ul>
 <li>COVID-19 Bioscience Product Development Acceleration Grants</li>
 </ul>Kansas has a strong pipeline of bioscience-related companies developing SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic, therapeutic and medical countermeasures. This grant program will accelerate commercialization and go-to-market strategies, allowing these Kansas companies to quickly deploy novel technology by optimizing value and reducing risk through informed decision making.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Connectivity Emergency Response Grants</li>
 </ul>The Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) was created to address the increased need for connectivity in Kansas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed projects should improve connectivity to unserved and underserved areas of Kansas to address the needs of telework, telehealth, distance learning, and other remote business services.<ul>
 <li>Broadband Partnership Adoption Grants</li>
 </ul>The Broadband Partnership Adoption Grant will provide support for low-income households by partnering with ISPs to leverage their existing adoption infrastructure and assure connectivity to as many Kansans as possible.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Domestic Supply Chain Fortification Grant</li>
 </ul>This Domestic Supply Chain Fortification grant will help offset the business disruptions to Kansas companies’ supply chains caused by COVID-19 and assist with relocating jobs to Kansas from outside of the US. Where appropriate, this grant program would be offered in addition to existing incentive programs (PEAK, KIT, HPIP, etc.) to improve the state’s competitiveness.<ul>
 <li>IT, Cybersecurity &amp; IT Project Management Certification Training Grants</li>
 </ul>To mitigate the job losses in Kansas as a result of COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking a rapid response training program that will provide training, certificate testing, and job placement assistance in the areas of IT, cybersecurity, and IT project management.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Higher Education Advanced Manufacturing &amp; IT Equipment Grants</li>
 </ul>This program will support the needs of the advanced manufacturing industry in Kansas. The program will focus on reskilling/upskilling individuals affected by COVID-19 to meet economic sector needs in high-demand, high-wage occupations.Details on each category, including award amounts, proposal requirements, eligibility, and more can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fcovidrelief&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfa18b367c41e4b11889408d843945f79%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637333651814786494&amp;sdata=%2F%2B%2FtFDL21q5Kwr%2BDmdpMat0cfdQEo%2FXVjzpr055AB68%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief</a>.

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